MOT questions answered
Checked against the MOT inspection manual and GOV.UK guidance · Updated November 2026
Quick answers to the questions we're asked most. Each links to the full guide where there's more to say.
Questions people ask
How much does an MOT cost?
The maximum fee for a car is £54.85 and £29.65 for a standard motorcycle. The maximum hasn't changed for 2026. Garages can charge less – many do – but not more. There's no VAT on the fee.
When does a car need its first MOT?
Three years after it was first registered, then every year. The government consulted on moving the first test to four years but decided in January 2024 to keep it at three.
How early can I get an MOT?
Up to a month minus a day before your current certificate expires, and you keep the same renewal date.
How long does an MOT take?
Usually 45 to 60 minutes, though you'll often need to leave the car longer if the centre is busy.
What happens if I fail?
You get a VT30 refusal certificate listing the dangerous and major defects. Repair them and have the car retested. Step-by-step guide.
Is a retest free?
If the car stays at the test centre for repairs and is retested within 10 working days, yes. Simple items brought back by the end of the next working day are also free. Otherwise up to half the fee within 10 working days. Retest rules.
Can I drive with no MOT?
Only to a pre-booked MOT or to a garage for repairs needed to pass. Otherwise it's a fine of up to £1,000. Full rules.
What's the fine for a dangerous defect?
Up to £2,500, 3 penalty points and a possible ban.
Can I tax a car without an MOT?
No, unless the vehicle is exempt from the MOT.
Can I sell a car that's failed its MOT?
Yes. It's legal to sell a car without an MOT as long as you're honest about its condition. How to sell a failed car.
Can I scrap a car without an MOT?
Yes. Scrapping doesn't require an MOT. You need the V5C logbook and to use an Authorised Treatment Facility. How it works.
Do electric cars need an MOT?
Yes, from three years old, on the same schedule and at the same maximum fee as petrol and diesel cars. They skip the emissions test. EV and hybrid MOT.
Do classic cars need an MOT?
Cars over 40 years old that haven't been substantially changed are exempt, though owners can still choose to test voluntarily.
Will a warning light fail an MOT?
Yes, for most safety systems: engine management, airbag, ABS, ESC, TPMS and brake fluid warning lights all cause a major fail if lit. Warning lights.
Can a windscreen chip fail an MOT?
Yes, if it's over 10mm in the 290mm-wide zone directly in front of the driver, or over 40mm anywhere else in the wiper-swept area.
Does the MOT check the engine or gearbox?
No. The MOT checks safety and emissions, not mechanical condition. A car can pass with a worn clutch or a tired engine.
Does the MOT check the spare tyre?
No, the spare isn't inspected, though it must be secure if carried.
Can I watch my MOT?
Most test centres have a viewing area and you're entitled to watch from there, though you can't interrupt the tester.
What if I disagree with the result?
Don't repair the car. Speak to the test centre, then complain to the DVSA within 14 working days of the test.
Can I get an MOT without the V5C?
Yes. You only need the car. The tester can find its details from the registration.
Why can a car pass with a minor defect?
Minor defects don't significantly affect safety or the environment, so they're recorded but don't cause a fail. Fix them soon.
Does a failed MOT affect insurance?
Not by itself, but driving a car with no MOT or with known serious defects can cause an insurer to reduce or refuse a claim.
How many cars fail their MOT?
About one in four. In April–June 2026, 26.75% of tests resulted in a failure.
Are MOT rules different in Northern Ireland?
Yes. Northern Ireland tests are carried out at DVA government test centres and the system, fees and some rules differ. This site covers England, Scotland and Wales.
Is it worth fixing an old car that failed its MOT?
If repairs cost more than about half what the car will be worth after passing, or the failure is major structural corrosion, scrapping or selling usually makes better financial sense. Try the calculator.